Superfoods to the Rescue

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We learn about the food pyramid
early in life so we already know how to eat a balanced meal. There are some
foods however, that are better than others. These are called “superfoods”.
These foods can help boost immunity, and decrease the risk of some diseases and
cancers. Some can even fight wrinkles, improve memory, and help you lose and
keep weight off! It sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it’s not. Foods
really can have these effects on you, maybe not instantly, but they will make a
difference when you incorporate them into your daily diet. Like they say, “you
are what you eat”; so be super and eat these superfoods, according to Health Magazine:

Greek
yogurt is all the rage right now! This is awesome because it is chock full
of great nutrients. Greek yogurt has two times the protein as regular yogurt,
plus just one cup satisfies a quarter of a woman’s Calcium needs. Some studies
have even found that it boosts immunity. One should try for three servings a
day. This may sound like a lot, but you can find tons of things to mix it with,
such as granola, fruit, or nuts. You can also use it as a sour cream
replacement in tacos or baked potatoes.

Olive oil
is so frequently used it is easy to incorporate into your diet. This is
convenient because olive oil is important for a healthy heart and improved
brain function. Two tablespoons a day is
a good amount to shoot for. Try to use it in place of butter and other cooking
oils.

Wild
blueberries are truly magical berries; they decrease blood pressure,
increase motor skills, AND they prevent memory loss. These qualities alone are
fantastic, but what’s even more exciting is that they are high in antioxidants
which help prevent wrinkles! Sounds like something you would read about in a
Harry Potter book, doesn’t it? Choose wild blueberries over industrially grown
blueberries because they score high in antioxidant activity tests. Aim for half
a cup daily to get all their magic power!

Broccoli
is high in many nutrients including vitamins C and A, folate, calcium, iron,
potassium, and fiber, plus it fights excess estrogen which helps prevents
breast cancer. Broccoli also helps you feel more satiated, helping you either
lose or maintain weight, depending on what your goal is. Two cups a week should
do it.

Oats help
lower cholesterol and are high in fiber. A high fiber diet helps to keep you
regular, which is crucial in preventing colon cancer. Oats, along with broccoli,
do an excellent job at keeping you fuller longer. Try to get steel cut oats
because they have more fiber. You need 25-30 grams of fiber every day, so add
oats to everything!

Walnuts are
often forgotten when it comes to nuts because almonds tend to hog the
spotlight. Walnuts can help you sleep, increase brain power, prevent heart
disease, and fight cancer. Put them in banana bread or your brownies, so you
don’t feel as guilty when you eat them. Aim for about 12 halves per day.

Dark
chocolate! Yes chocolate! It surprisingly helps you eat less, if you eat it
before a meal, because it slows down your digestion. Sneak a little dessert
before dinner and enjoy it. Try not to eat more than the size of a business
card.

The best part about these
superfoods is that you can put them together in a meal and create a supermeal,
(not to be confused with a “Happy Meal”). Try oatmeal, chocolate, and walnut
cookies!